How Can Israel Rebuild The Temple?

There is no finite, Scriptural unchallengeable reply to that question. Thorough study in Biblical prophecy discourages adopting dogmatic conclusions regarding some events, chronology, etc. Nevertheless, prophecy leaves no doubt that before Messiah arrives, the “oblations and sacrifices” will resume. (Daniel 9:24-27) Therefore, some sort of Temple or Jewish place of worship must be provided. Because it is a precursor to the Advent of Messiah, both Jews and Christians earnestly look forward to when the Jewish Temple will again hold worship services, as prophesied, atop the Temple Mount. However, during these present volatile times, is the Temple Mount really needed immediately, to resume those Jewish rituals?

We choose three options for discussion of possible answers:

I. The Temple Mount

If the “Third Temple” is to be rebuilt atop the Temple Mount, it rightfully must be rebuilt at the exact same location where King Solomon’s and the Second Temple stood.

Islam, supported for centuries even by secular tradition, claims the Jewish Temple site lies beneath the Dome of the Rock – Islam’s 3rd most holy site – from where legend says Mohammed ascended to Heaven on his horse. Judaism’s consideration of the Dome of the Rock would prohibit building God’s Temple even within view of the shrine of another faith. This, besides surety that Islam would launch a Jihad of major proportions throughout all of Israel if Judaism were to construct what Islam would consider to be a Pagan shrine adjacent to their 3rd Most Holy Place, brings an ominous confrontation.

Among secular as well as religious scholars, there is bitter controversy over several proposed sites claimed as the position of the first two Temples. Some Christian scholars, in their ignorance, insist upon referring to Herod’s (remodeled) Second Temple as “The Third Temple.” We support Prof. Asher Kaufman’s site, 100 meters NW of the Dome of the Rock as the Holy of Holies at the Dome of the Tablets.

Some scholars support the traditional site at the Dome of the Rock as the true site. However, that claim contains multiple errors, easily refuted, and thereby dismissing its authenticity. A few scholars propose other locations, some with even less support, and may even be considered bizarre.

Judaism’s Rabbinical authorities must eventually accept one site as the TRUE site at which the Temple can be rebuilt when opportunity becomes available – within whatever timing, means or conditions. Considering the aforementioned obstacles, it is extremely doubtful, therefore, that Israel’s “Third Temple” will be rebuilt in the very near future – and certainly not under the present political, religious, military and international “conditions.”

II. A Temple or Tabernacle “Somewhere” in Israel

Scripture does not prophesy sacrifices resuming at the original Temple site on the Temple Mount. Simply, Scripture declares Antichrist will proclaim himself as God, thereby committing the “Abomination of Desolation” in “the Holy Place” and WILL defile this “holy place” — wherever it is. Daniel announces this imposter will proclaim himself as God and will set out to deceive and destroy Israel. Therefore, it seems inconceivable that Almighty God would permit this evil one to defile the TRUE Temple site. Furthermore, as stated earlier, Orthodox Rabbis would NEVER sanction building God’s Holy House even within sight of a shrine of another faith.

Nevertheless, reasonable speculation could state that Temple rites could be conducted in any building, or even a Tabernacle containing a “Holy Place.” This action, however, must first comply with requirements for purification by the ashes of the Red Heifer. (Numbers 19:1-19) Such a site could be used for anticipated “interim” worship until God restores the Temple Mount to Israel. Such was the provision for worship during their trek to The Promised Land and until King Solomon built the first Temple.

III. “Supernaturally” Building the Third Temple

Such miraculous restoration could occur upon arrival of Messiah, when Israel’s Redeemer will reign Supremely over Earth for 1000 years from the Third Temple. After all, the “Tribulation” Temple, or place of worship (in II) will have been defiled by Antichrist; therefore rendering it unfit for Messiah.

Moreover, Jews have pleaded so faithfully and persistently during nearly 2000 years for God to “rebuild the Temple speedily in our day.” For His Own Reasons, however, God has not rebuilt during all these centuries. Rabbis reason, therefore, that God surely will faithfully answer their prayers when Messiah rebuilds the Temple as “in the twinkling of an eye.”

This makes sense, because at His Coming, the Earth will be cluttered in rubble, chaos and destruction. –”every wall shall fall to the ground.” (Ezek. 38:20) Years would be required for mere men to rebuild that Holy worship center to proper specifications. Such delay would impede and retard beginning of Messiah’s Kingdom – commencing 15 Tishri – only five days after His arrival.

Considering the options, No. III makes the most sense.

So, we have shown how Israel will be able to resume sacrifices without rebuilding the Temple or a Tabernacle on the contested Temple Mount at this time or even the near future. Although, many deeply complex political, religious, ethnic and even military obstacles exist to block such a move, trust that God WILL find a Way!

And finally, a dominant, fond opinion in Jewish Messianic Hopes contends that Messiah Himself will build the Temple “speedily.” That is, when He arrives, He will build it “supernaturally” – as “in the twinkling of an eye”!

– He will build it where HE wants it.

– He will never permit it to be defiled.

END OF PROBLEM!

Israel, meanwhile, needs only to await and trust Messiah to resolve this Temple Mount dilemma. Meanwhile, they MUST find the purifying ashes of the Red Heifer and prepare to resume Judaic worship under The Law when “the prince who is to come” (Antichrist) reinstates it.

“The World” presently should be and can be watching for these developments. Even so, we still just do NOT know WHO, WHAT, HOW, WHERE or WHEN the next “scene” is going to develop in this exciting drama.

Only ONE thing is for sure. – IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN !

Much more thought and discussion of these vital questions are addressed in the book referenced in the resources following.


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